Review: Jane by April Lindner

Are you looking for a modern take on a classic tale minus zombies or vampires? Friend, I think Jane by April Lindner is the book for you. To me, Jane was a worthy version of Jane Eyre. I absolutely loved this re-telling. In this version, Jane Eyre is now Jane Moore, a 19 year old who must drop out of college due to financial necessity. She accepts a job nannying for aging rocker, Nico Rathburn. What results is a quiet romance, never overt, but gently unfolding. ALSO omfg, DEVELOPMENT. It’s not this over night instant attraction, but something which happens realistically. Something that grows into love.

April Lindner, and Jane, how I love thee. Let me count the ways.

One. College age group. So, the first book I read featuring people of college age/set in a university setting was actually a fantasy book called The Name of the Wind which is incredibly awesome. The second was a contemporary, which was quite disappointing. Jane by April Lindner is my third, and dear lord is it made of win. For serious, I want a book with students who are smart enough to get into college, not vapid society girls. Jane by April Lindner has that, thankfully.

Two. Familiarity. There’s something nice about slipping into a pair of shoes which have been broken in. So, this is basically a story which has already been broken in. Those of us who have read Jane Eyre know what to expect. We know the elements that will be there, and the basic story. As a fan of Jane Eyre, I was delighted with how comfortable this book felt. And the thing is it felt familiar without ever feeling plagiarized.

Three. Strong prose. I love a book which invites me to gorge upon it’s words. Seriously, Jane is the type of book you just eat. The language is fabulous. I mean, Lindner does a great job of wrapping you in the atmosphere. You can legit feel the New England climate as you read the book (well for me that might be because I actually live in the climate, but I’m sure you southerners will feel it to as you read). I was completely drawn into the story.

Four. Characterization. Jane Moore is unwavering in her morals. She’s very sensible. I like that she doesn’t lose her head or her cool in situations which would have me looking for the nearest exit. She’s very quiet. And by quiet, I don’t mean she just hangs around brooding in silence for all of Jane. I mean that she isn’t up in your face with personality. She just simply is Jane Moore. Nothing more. Nothing less. I liked that she was her own person, and from what I read, a character whom I felt was fully realized. Then of course, beyond Jane is Nico. Yes, okay I get he is ‘old’ being in his 30s and what not. BUT, I was excited because this is a character you can find attractive without feeling like a creep. And, swoonworthy he is. He’s a great modern Mr. Rochester. We see that yes, fame does take his toll on him,but he’s kind and generous to his staff. He’s passionate about music. And oh, his scenes with Jane Moore are to be cliche, smoldering.

For realsies, get your hand on this awesome book.

Other Reviews of Jane by April Lindner:

Steph Su Reads
YA Librarian Tales
Angieville — this is the review that convinced me to request Jane for review

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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